Up-armoring structure and method

Abstract

Up-armoring structure for protecting a selected surface including (a) a foundation layer formed of a chemically curable, elastomeric, urethane-based material applied to that surface, (b) a core layer of hardened armoring material embedded, at least partially, in the foundation layer, and (c) a coating overlayer of a chemically curable, elastomeric material which covers the core layer, and which is bonded molecularly to the foundation layer. The method of the invention includes (a) applying a chemically curable, elastomeric foundation layer to a surface which is to be armor protected, (b) embedding a core layer of hardened armoring material at least partially in the foundation layer, (c) creating over the core layer an overlayer of chemically curable, elastomeric material, and (d) molecularly bonding the coating layer to the foundation layer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to the filing date of currently pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 721,365, filed Sep. 27, 2005 for “Up-Armor Method and Structure”. The entire disclosure content of that prior-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to an up-armoring structure and methodology, and in particular, to such subject areas that are associated with surface-protecting various structures which might become targets for an explosive blast and / or a projectile attack, such as a bullet attack. Such attacks, unfortunately, are marks of unsettled times, such as now, in which random acts of terrorism form daily threats in many regions of the world.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]In this setting, we propose the mentioned up-armoring structure and methodology which allows for rapid, effective and efficient application of a ...

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Benefits of technology

[0003]In this setting, we propose the mentioned up-armoring structure and methodology which allows for rapid, effective and efficient application of a castable, layered armor to various kinds of surfaces requiring protection against events like those mentioned above. In particular, the structure and methodology of this invention enable quick preparation and application, to a relatively wide variety of surfaces, such as fuel-container surfaces, building surfaces, vehicle surfaces, bridge-structure surfaces, and other surfaces, of a specially constructed, plural-layered armoring structure, referred to herein as a castable armoring structure. In general terms, this armoring structure includes a core layer of hardened armoring material which is fully jacketed, i.e., fully enveloped and encapsulated, by a high-elastomeric material preferably formed of a chemically curable, sticky, urethane-based castable material disposed so as to create spaced, outer surface layers, or expanses, which are located on opposite sides of the core layer material in, effectively, an embedding / embedded cooperative relationship with that core material. Preferably, the elastomeric material chosen is one which, when exposed to a liquid such as hydrocarbon (petroleum-based) fuel, exhibits liquid-imbibing behavior that creates layer swelling and expansion.

Problems solved by technology

Such attacks, unfortunately, are marks of unsettled times, such as now, in which random acts of terrorism form daily threats in many regions of the world.

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